Two powerful earthquakes, of magnitudes 7.2 and 7.5 according to the American seismological service, struck Venezuela in quick succession on Wednesday, and left at least 32 dead and more than 700 injured, interim President Delcy Rodriguez announced Thursday, June 25.
“At present we have received reports of 32 deaths” and “more than 700 injured,” Delcy Rodriguez said in a message to the nation, while specifying that she did not yet have data concerning the state of La Guaira, located near the capital and which according to her is the most affected region. The president declared a state of emergency, and the Caracas airport, which she said was seriously damaged, was closed.
According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), a first tremor of magnitude 7.2 occurred at 6:04 p.m. local time at a depth of 21.9 km, about 200 km west of Caracas. A second of magnitude 7.5 at 10 km depth was recorded 39 seconds later 45 km away, followed by around twenty aftershocks.
Still according to the USGS, it is a “double event” and a “disaster that is expected to be of considerable magnitude”. “It is likely that the toll will be heavy and the damage will be significant,” the institute wrote.
Airport closed
Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello said several buildings had collapsed in the capital, and said he had ordered the gas supply to be cut off. “Some structures have been damaged and we want to avoid any gas-related accidents,” he wrote on X. He confirmed that there were injuries, but without providing a detailed report.
Many panicked people rushed to the streets and waited there in the evening, not daring to return to their homes or offices for fear of aftershocks. Power outages were reported in the capital, where many streets were littered with broken glass.
La Maiquetía International Airport, in La Guaira, about 40 km from Caracas, was closed “due to serious damage,” Delcy Rodriguez said. Images posted by MP Wilmer Azuaje and social media users showed pieces of masonry from a terminal ceiling collapsing, and frightened people running away.
“The United States is ready, willing and able to provide assistance” to Venezuela, wrote on his Truth Social network US President Donald Trump, whose country captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro last January and has since reestablished diplomatic relations with Caracas. “We will stand alongside our new and wonderful friends,” he added.
The shock was felt as far away as Colombia, in the capital Bogota, although it is 1,000 km away as the crow flies.
